We tried taking the side off my son's cot a few months ago when he was just 2, and figured he wasn't 'ready' as he got up 100+ times. Total nightmare! We live in a flat so he'd just come bursting into the living room, a big 'fun' game! Prior to this he'd always gone to sleep fine. Tried putting a gate on his door, he was petrified and hysterical, so took it off. So we put the side back on, all well again, then decide 2 weeks ago now he is over 2.5, we'd try again.
It actually went great for a week or so, he got up maybe 1-5 times then just chatted to himself and went to sleep. Perfect! Nope, didn't last. He soon went back to the continually getting up, it's just so wearing! I'm pregnant and on my own during the week so find the constant returning to bed every 10 seconds so draining. I've tried discussing it with him (we're big on chatting/explaining reasons behind things, and usually he responds very well) but the temptation to get up is clearly too much! If I lie with him he just acts silly and kicks his legs etc. Even sleeping in our bed (we don't mind where he sleeps!) doesn't work, he does the same with that. I bought another gate, a mesh type to see if it helped, again he is hysterical over it, like he's being imprisoned. Which I suppose he is. I can't leave him sobbing his heart out at the gate and walk away.
Can anyone please suggest a gentle approach? Help!!